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Budget prioritises technology-led growth, AI-driven modernisation and inclusive economic progress, writes Arundhati Bhattacharya

Prime Minister Modi invoked Goddess Lakshmi on Budget-eve, later Indian taxpayers received significant tax relief. Finance Minister announced revised tax slabs where the biggest benefit is for those earning up to Rs 12.75 lakh, making their tax liability nil. Changes include rebates up to Rs 60,000 and altered tax rates for various income brackets.

Govt. has maintained its focus on infrastructure, while aviation and nuclear energy get due attention, writes Kumar Mangalam Birla

Zakia Jafri, widow of ex-Congress MP Ehsan Jafri, who was killed in the 2002 Gujarat riots, passed away at 86 in Ahmedabad. She was known for her prolonged legal battle against Narendra Modi and others, which lasted 16 years. Social activist Teesta Setalvad expressed condolences on social media, recognizing Zakia's efforts for justice.

A 20-year-old MBBS student, Ivy Prasad, was found hanging in her room at Kamarhati ESI Hospital quarters. Her mother, a doctor, discovered her after multiple unanswered calls. No suicide note was found, and police have registered a case of unnatural death. Authorities suspect depression; an investigation is underway, and a post-mortem is being conducted.

A 21-year-old woman from Memnagar has accused her husband of blackmail and online harassment, alleging he leaked her private photos and videos on social media after she sought a divorce. Distressed by the threats and social media humiliation, she approached Ghatlodia police, leading to a case of defamation and criminal intimidation against him.

An engineer from Hingoli, Maharashtra, who had been missing in Iran for almost two months, is currently in a Tehran jail for taking photographs. He informed his wife via WhatsApp that he is expected to be released next Tuesday with the help of the Indian embassy.

Seven students from a government school in Harur, Dharmapuri fell ill after eating lunch that contained a dead lizard. The incident led to the suspension of three cooks involved in the noon-meal scheme. The students' condition is stabilizing, while an inquiry was conducted by education officials. Prompt action by teachers prevented further consumption of the contaminated food.

A 21-year-old software engineer, Aiyaz Shemale, died after his motorcycle hit a pothole and he was run over by a truck in Bhiwandi. The accident, which initially prompted an 'accidental death' report, led to charges of negligence against the truck driver. The mishap occurred as Shemale and his friends were returning from a birthday party.

Maharashtra reported its fifth death due to Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS), with Assam confirming its first fatality. The outbreak has caused an increase in critical cases in Pune, leading to a rise in ICU admissions and ventilator support. Water contamination has been identified as a potential cause.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said public assets worth ₹10 lakh to be monetised for infrastructure growth; besides, the Ministry has plans of capital expenditure through PPP mode and setting up of an Urban Challenge Fund of ₹10,000 crore redevelop cities

The Union Budget has 10 broad focus areas, including inclusive growth path, enabling employment-led development and investing in people, economy and innovation; it has measures to boost workforce development, medical education and technological research, writes R. Nandini, Chairperson, CII, Southern Region